Ray West is a multi-skilled man and a one-of-a-kind person. He is the father of Kanye West, the renowned rapper and fashion designer. However, Ray West’s life is so much more than being Kanye’s father. He has made his mark in several fields, including activism, as well as being a photographer, and even aiding others through charity work.
Quick Facts About Ray West
| Full Name | Ray West |
| Birthdate | August 28, 1949 |
| Occupation | Former Black Panther, Photojournalist, Christian Counselor, Entrepreneur |
| Husband/Wife | Donda West (ex-wife) |
| Education | N/A |
| Age | 75 years and 8 months old |
| Grandchildren | North West, Saint West, Chicago West, Psalm West |
| Siblings | Ray is one of six siblings |
| Children | Kanye West (son) |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $1.5 million |
Early Life and Background
Ray West was born on August 28, 1949. Ray was brought up in Tucson, Arizona, as one of six children. During the 1960s and 1970s, Ray participated in the civil rights movement. Ray was part of the Black Panther Party, which struggled to gain equal rights for African Americans. His involvement in activism during these decades influenced his future career.
Career in Journalism and Photography
Ray West’s professional life took an interesting turn when he became one of the first African American photojournalists at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. His job involved documenting significant events in history and photographing well-known personalities. He photographed individuals such as Maya Angelou, President Ronald Reagan, and civil rights activist Ralph David Abernathy. Ray’s photographs were recognized for their depth and contemplation. He was successful at capturing the spirit of his subjects, making his work unique.
Not only was Ray a photojournalist, but he was also a paparazzo, a medical illustrator, and a Christian marriage counselor. These occupations proved that Ray had numerous diverse skills and interests, always desiring to leave a mark on the world.
Philanthropy and Helping Others
Aside from his journalistic career, Ray West was also very devoted to assisting others. He established the Good Water Foundation in the Dominican Republic. The charity was aimed at assisting victims of prostitution and recovering drug addicts. Ray did not stop there in assisting. He even stayed in a homeless shelter at one point so that he could be among the people he was helping. This indicates how devoted Ray was to his cause.
Ray West’s Family Life
Ray West wed Donda West, Kanye West’s mother, during the 1970s. Ray gave birth to Kanye in 1977. Unfortunately, the two divorced when Kanye was only a few years old. Though there was a divorce, Kanye still spent time with his dad. He spent summer vacations with Ray in Atlanta and lived with his mother in Chicago during schooltime. Kanye always described his father kindly, although there were things where they differed from each other. Kanye thanks Ray for having backed him and having been present during key times for him.
Health Struggles and Support by Kanye
In 2018, Ray West had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Kanye found the news difficult, but the son and father remained close. Kanye stood by his father during treatment, and the two became closer. Ray’s cancer battle story was a key point in their relationship. Kanye explained how much he was proud of his dad for surviving the disease.
In 2019, Ray featured in Kanye’s music video for the track “Follow God.” The video demonstrated their tight relationship and revealed to the world how much Ray is loved by Kanye. Kanye has claimed that his dad is his best friend, demonstrating the strength of their relationship today.
READ ALSO: Kanye West Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
Business Ventures and Contributions
Ray West utilized his skills to begin a business as well. In 2006, he opened the Good Water Store and Café in Maryland. Kanye contributed to the financing of the venture. This store and café were one of Ray’s continued efforts to give back to the community. It was only one of the several ways Ray attempted to leave a positive mark.
